Street racing motorcyclist was wanted for attempted murder: police

NEWARK -- Police seized a loaded handgun and drugs from a motorcyclist who was caught racing with a dirt bike in Newark late Wednesday, authorities said.

Charles Taylor, 29, was also wanted in East Orange for attempted murder, according to police. More details on that case were not immediately available.

City police spotted the motorcycle and dirt bike racing eastbound on Clinton Avenue around 9:20 p.m., according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose. The motorcycle ran a red light and swerved into oncoming traffic.

Taylor ignored commands to pull over before he was arrested near Clinton and Avon avenues, police said.

Taylor was caught with a .45 caliber handgun, 23 Xanax pills and 12 oxycodone pills, the public safety director said in a statement. The East Orange resident was charged with various drug and weapons offenses. Police said Taylor was also issued traffic summonses.